The Legal Side of Garbage: NYC Rules and Laws

When you toss out things you no longer want or need, breaking the law is probably the last thought on your mind. While you’re not likely to run afoul of the authorities with your regular household waste, there are some projects that could generate problematic waste. Whether you’re cleaning out an estate, purging before a big move or just trying to reorganize your living space, it pays to do a bit of research before you tip everything into a bin.

For some types of garbage, NYC rules and an assortment of laws do apply.

Sorting Your Garbage: NYC Rules for Recycling

While there’s no doubt recycling is the right thing to do for the planet and the environment, there’s more than just the ethical implications to consider. Laws on the local, state and federal level do exist.

For instance, most electronic devices are required by New York state law to be recycled properly. This means you can’t toss an old DVD player into the trash; it must be separately handled for recycling. Old appliances you no longer want? DSNY programs for special pickup do exist, but you’ll have to make sure you’re following several guidelines to not only assure pickup, but also to avoid fines or other penalties.

Mattresses are another area where it’s easy to inadvertently break the law. You must make a special appointment for a mattress larger than 4 feet by 3 feet, and all mattresses must be sealed in specialty bags designed to prevent bedbug infestations. Old futons are considered mattresses, too. Forget the bag, and you’re facing a $100 fine. DSNY does not provide these bags, either, so you’ll have to purchase your own before the collection date.

Paint, flammable liquids and bicycle waste come with a host of rules you must follow, which can make all but the very smallest projects seem quite daunting. How are you supposed to make real progress when every type of garbage you encounter must be processed differently?

Saving Time and Money with Pro Pickup

At first blush, hiring professional waste management can seem like an extravagance. Once you balance the value of your time and labor against the demands for both when you attempt a DIY disposal project, you may be surprised to find out just how expensive it can be to do it yourself.

Our trained and experienced Jiffy Junk technicians provide the very best in true white-glove waste management to residential and commercial clients throughout the five boroughs, Nassau County and Suffolk County. We’ll come to you, removing all your waste with a single phone call. Because we pride ourselves on our commitment to the environment, we’ll go the extra mile to avoid landfill dumping at every opportunity. We’ll drop off any usable items at charity centers, then seek out even nontraditional recycling programs for the rest.

You’re able to get rid of anything you no longer want while maintaining a clean conscience and no worries about the legal implications of NYC garbage rules.

Call today: 844-543-3966.